Limousin365 Fall Sale Edition, October 2024

Page 1


PRESENTS

The Social AT TINY TOWN

LIVE AUCTION - NOVEMBER 16, 2024 • 1 P.M. CST P Bar S Ranch, Sand Springs, Oklahoma

SELLING BULLS, BREDS, PAIRS, OPENS CATTLE WILL BE DISPLAYED ON SITE

Contact a member of the marketing team regarding your consignments.

MARKETING TEAM: Randy Ratliff • Randy@rrmktg.com615-330-2735 Kiley McKinna • 402-350-3447 mcmarketingsales@aol.com

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS:

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 14 1 p.m. Cattle May Begin Arriving

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 15 1 p.m. All Cattle In Place 5 p.m. Social/Entertainment

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 16 9 a.m. Cattle Available For Viewing Noon Complimentary Lunch 1 p.m. The Social At Tiny Town

Misty Morning Inaugural Online Sale

NOVEMBER 14, 2024

Hosted by L365 Auctions

Featuring bred females, bulls, embryos and genetic packages.

This sale will feature the very best genetics we have created from bloodlines of the following sires:

Mark your calendar and plan to visit the farm to view and discuss the offering prior to the sale. We welcome all inquiries. Call today.

KILEY McKINNA • 402/350-3447

WILEY FANTA • 320/287-0751 mcmarketingsales@aol.com www.mcmarketingmanagement.com Sale Management:

JAMES D. HERR

&

17329 S. Nebo Dr. - Versailles, MO 65084 ph: 573/378-0500 - fax: 573/378-5137 - jherr@gvsdis.com www.mistymorninglimousin.com

TMCK Santana 828J
CELL Granite 9245G
L7 Humdinger 0035H
CHR Hard Rocks 151H
CELL History Maker 0256H
CJSL Creed 5042C
Wulfs Ka-Ching 0762K
Wulfs Joint Venture G579J

WAROUND THE INDUSTRY

Basics To Brilliance

elcome to the Limousin365 Fall Sale Edition! As you peruse this issue, you will discover a plethora of upcoming fall sales within the breed, highlighted progressive programs, engaging feature stories and pertinent industry news.

As I prepare for the upcoming wave of fall sales, I am filled with gratitude. I am grateful for the dedication of Limousin breeders, their commitment to their programs, the current state of the beef cattle marketplace and the opportunities available to breeders. These factors all contribute to the success of your operation.

Reflecting on a couple of successful fall sales in our rearview mirror, I am eager to delve into some key marketing strategies that, when implemented, can propel your operation to new heights. These strategies include maintaining a targeted focus, consistency in your message and standing out with unique marketing strategies. By incorporating these marketing tactics, you can position your operation for growth and success.

Have a Targeted Focus

In today’s highly competitive market, it is crucial for operations to focus on specific targets when advertising to reach their desired audience effectively. By identifying and understanding the specific needs and preferences of particular buyers, you can tailor your marketing strategies to appeal directly to that audience. This targeted approach allows for more personalized promotion and increased relevance to potential customers, ultimately leading to higher engagement. Whether your target market is the show cattle community or more production-oriented operations, there are various publications and platforms to effectively reach your likely buyers. Overall, focusing on target marketing when advertising is a key strategy for programs looking to maximize their reach and drive success.

Be Consistent

Consistent advertising is crucial for building a loyal and large clientele base. By consistently marketing your genetics and operation to potential customers, a sense of brand awareness and recognition can be established, leading to increased trust and credibility. Not only does regular advertising keep your operation in the forefront of customers minds, it also allows for continuous dialogue with

your target audience, which can help shape familiarity. Additionally, consistent advertising can help promote your operation’s unique selling points, making it more likely for customers to choose to buy from a familiar program. In today’s saturated market, where consumers are bombarded with countless advertising messages daily, maintaining a consistent presence is essential to stand out, attract and retain customers.

Stand Out

In a world consumed with promotion, it is essential for companies to formulate a strategy that enables them to stand out from the myriad of competitors searching for customer attention. By identifying your unique selling propositions and leveraging an innovative marketing campaign, your company can create a distinct brand identity that resonates with consumers. Utilizing creative, sometimes unconventional tactics can help you break through the clutter and capture consumers’ interest. You should constantly adapt your advertising strategies to remain relevant and competitive in an ever-evolving industry. Ultimately, finding a strategy to make your operation stand out through advertising is crucial for ensuring longterm success and brand recognition.

The fall sale season is upon us, and these strategies are the beginning steps to helping this be the best yet. As time allows, I encourage you to attend as many sales and industry events as possible. The people you meet and the relationships you forge will pay dividends in the long run. The current sale season has already shown extreme promise. Breeders are offering some of the most sought-after genetics in the Limousin breed. The featured females in this fall’s upcoming sales will not disappoint.

Time is a precious commodity, and while it may be moving at the speed of light, that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t stop and smell the roses. Take time to appreciate all we have accomplished as a breed. There is plenty of work left to be done, however, a reflection on the past often leads to a clearer vision of the future. Be sure to recognize your target market, be consistent and stand out in your marketing strategies to ensure your program generates a satisfying return on your investment. We are all in it together –– Limousin Proud

Balance Balance

L7 Humdinger 0035H

Black • Homo Polled • Purebred

CD: 7(70) BW: 1.7(50) WW: 82(5) YW: 135(3) MA: 23(65) CM: 4(70) SC: 1.2(10)

DOC: 18(5) CW: 50(3) RE: 1.42(10) YG: -0.41(3) MB: -0.08(50) $MTI: 55.6

L7 Humdinger is just that, a HUMDINGER. PUREBRED, stout, full of performance, HOMO Polled and loaded with bone, butt and muscle. Humdinger is carrying a red gene which gives you the opportunity to add the Envision influence to your red program. Look over the numbers, look over his picture, think about the possibilities, Humdinger is one of a kind.

MIDL Genesis 159G

Homo Black • Homo Polled • 56% Lim-Flex

CD: 13(20) BW: -0.2(25) WW: 96(2) YW: 162(1) MA: 30(15) CM: 6(50) SC: 0.9(45)

DOC: 16(20) CW: 60(4) RE: 1.07(10) YG: -0.11(1) MB: 0.35(40) $MTI: 73.2

MIDL Genesis has proven he has the combination of proven light BIRTH and tremendous YEARLING with a phenomenal spread. His super outcross pedigree, Camden Yards and Zodiac, should offer you growth, maternal, and a double HOMO package. Check out the thickness, think about the possibilities, MIDL Genesis could be the start of something awesome.

AHCC Landmark 917L

Homo Black • Homo Polled • 70% Lim-Flex

CD: 15(5) BW: -0.7(15) WW: 85(10) YW: 144(3) MA: 31(10) CM: 9(15) SC: 0.95(50) DOC: 12(65) CW: 66(1) RE: 0.79(30) YG: -0.05(3) MB: 0.76(1) $MTI: 84.1

AHCC Landmark is the bull of the future. Check out his birth to yearling spread in the EPDs. Look over his flawless structure and balance. Top 1% for Marbling, $MTI and TI. Then, look at the fact he has no Rulon, Envision or Credentials and realize he is available on the open market. If you are looking for the next path to the future, you need to find a Landmark.

COLE Landslide 25L

Black • Homo Polled • 85% Limousin

CD: 13(30) BW: 1.7(80) WW: 87(1) YW: 143(1) MA: 32(2) CM: 10(10) SC: 0.6(65) DOC: 12(30) CW: 32(60) RE: 0.94(25) YG: -0.26(1) MB: 0.26(60) $MTI: 68.1

Give us a call for your Livestock Mortality needs.

COLE Landslide brings an amazing amount of balance and performance to the table. This outstanding son of calving-ease leader COLE Fortune has the actual performance, pedigree and EPDs with the balance and combination to inspire commercial cattlemen and breeders alike. If you find yourself lost on the mountain, jump on the Landslide. Sexed Semen Available.

OCTOBER 21st

Davis Ranches “Meet Me at the Backdrop” VI Online Sale www.sconlinesales.com

NOVEMBER 16th

P Bar S Ranch "The Social at Tiny Town” Sale Sand Springs, OK

NOVEMBER 27th

Canadian Western Agribition “Solid Gold” Sale Regina, SASK, CA

DECEMBER 7th

“Night on the Town” All Breeds Vegas Sale Las Vegas, NV

CREEK

Superior Feed Efficiency: The Limousin breed has documented advantages in feed efficiency and is a proven leader in carcass cutability and retail yield. The combination of these attributes result in more saleable beef produced per pound of feed consumed. That means increased efficiency and improved sustainability.

WPRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

e hope you have had a successful summer with adequate moisture in your area as we move into the fall calving season. It’s a busy time of year as we all look to wean and process spring calves. We have been very fortunate to have timely, late-summer and early-fall moisture here in North Dakota this year with many ranches having the ability to replenish their feed and hay stockpiles moving into 2025. I hope your locations have had good weather as well. It has been a busy and eventful year for the NALF association, staff and its Board of Directors. I appreciate the privilege and honor to be your NALF President this year. I am truly excited about the progress

2024 NALF BOARD OF DIRECTORS

PRESIDENT, Austin Hager ....................................... Karlsruhe, ND 701-626-2345 • hagercc@srt.com

VICE PRESIDENT, Joey Freund ......................................... Elizabeth, CO 303-841-7901 • freundjoe@outlook.com

SECRETARY, Ronn Cunningham ..................................... Rose, OK 918-629-9382 • colronn@yahoo.com

TREASURER, Lance Sennett .................................. Waynetown, IN 765-366-4894 • lasennett@att.net

AT-LARGE, Jerry Wulf ............................................. Hancock, MN 320-491-1390 • jerry.wulf@wulfcattle.com

EX-OFFICIO, Bruce Lawrence ................................................ Anton, TX 806-790-2535 • bll1@speednet.com

DIRECTORS

Bart Mitchell, Boscobell, WI, 608-553-8070, springcreeksbart@gmail.com

Jay Wilder, Snook, TX, 979-268-5491, jwwilder1993@gmail.com

George Hubbard, Welch, OK, 918-541-5482, georgerhubbard@gmail.com

Matt Spangler, Lincoln, NE, 402-472-6489, mspangler2@unl.edu

Troy Gulotta, Independence, LA, 985-662-1561, liveoakcattle@gmail.com

Kevin Ochsner, Kersey, CO, 970-396-5525, kevinkochsner@gmail.com

Rob Brawner, Wood Lake, NE, 402-376-4465, bulliscreek@gpcom.net

Mark Haden, Rogersville, MO, 417-838-6109, buckridgecattle@gmail.com

Trent Coleman, Charlo, MT, 406-644-2707, tmcoleman@blackfoot.net

Brian Duplaga, Grafton, OH, 440-355-6682, duplaga@windstream.net

we are making, not only on our new EPDs and selection indexes, but the progress made on our NALRF research trial being conducted at South Dakota State University.

The research trial has been an ongoing project for the last three years beginning with the structure of the program, raising the money for the third-party research, acquiring ranch co-operators and then syncing, breeding and calving the progeny out for shipment to SDSU last fall. We hope to not only find where we may have advantages by utilizing Limousin and Lim-Flex sires in a crossbreeding program on Angus cows, but additionally, potentially identifying areas where we may need to focus on potential improvements we need to make as a breed.

The NALF Board of Directors also recently improved a needed update to our Terminal Index released earlier this year. Dr. Robert Weaber and Dr. Matt Spangler were able to successfully add the incorporation of individual post weaning gain spread into the Terminal Index that more accurately reflects feed conversion and gain performance against the dry matter intake component to give us a solid new index that corresponds even closer to the cattle feeding industry. The iGENDEC program we are using also incorporates current price data for both feed cost and carcass price components that are reflective of today’s market.

Once our membership has learned the components of the new Terminal Index, we will be looking to retire the older MTI index. It has served us well in the past but does not have the ability to reflect current carcass price spread changes that are happening today along with inputs of feed cost off actual price data on a 10-year historical basis.

The development of a Maternal Index for usage on females moving forward has also been approved by the NALF board. This will be built and released once IGS has completed their Mature Cow Weight EPD. We are expecting it sometime early next year.

I look forward to seeing many of you again this winter at the annual business meeting for NALF taking place on the grounds at the Cattlemen’s Congress in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. We are anticipating good participation in our Limousin and Lim-Flex® Pen Shows this year at the 2025 National Western Stock Show in Denver as well!

From my family to yours, we wish you a successful and profitable end of 2024!

Angling for Premium Cattle?

When searching for cattle with premium genetics this fall, be sure to check out the offerings carrying the J Bar J prefix. From bulls and breds to opens and genetics, we ensure the quality is top-notch. Set the hook on J Bar J genetics at these events: December 7, 2024

NV December 19, 2024 J

J Holiday Classic L365Auctions.com April 26, 2025 20th Annual Great American Pie Sale Lebanon, MO

TMCK
COLE BEAUTY 1067J
WULFS LATIGO K750L
Photo taken at Dorran Cattle Co Sale

IEXECUTIVE SUMMARY

t has been a busy summer for the NALF Board of Directors and staff as they have been actively working to improve NALF’s selection indexes and continue to monitor the process of the cattle on feed for the NALRF Research trial at SDSU. NALF held its summer board and budgeting meetings at the SDSU facility in August and was able to view the two remaining pens of cattle to be shipped for harvest scheduled in the month of September and October.

The first pen of cattle was shipped prior to our arrival in Brookings, South Dakota, on August 13. Full and complete data will be released once the research is complete on both carcass data and feed performance by breed group, sire group, sex and ranch location.

As you might recall, the cooperator ranches provided Angus cows and sires were selected for EPD equivalency on three Angus sires,

three Limousin (high-percentage and purebred) sires, and three Lim-Flex® sires to measure the effects of heterosis for both feed performance and carcass differences. The cattle will be harvested in three different groups over a 90-day window to monitor and analyze carcass composition differences and performance as they are fed to larger outweights similar to today’s cattle feeding business.

The group data results of the first set of cattle shipped are encouraging as the full set of cattle graded 100% Choice or higher for all Limousin, Lim-Flex and Angus progeny. Differences in Yield Grade and REA would indicate advantages for Limousin and Lim-Flex progeny as you might expect. Full data analysis will be made available as the third-party research is completed and released later this year, but group averages are listed below on the first set of cattle shipped. This data is combined on both steers and heifers for harvest group #1.

EXCLUSIVE POSITIONS—annually

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Featured Ads, Catalogs, Breeder Directory-Contact for Pricing

FEATURED AD LISTING—$850 per 30 day-cycle

SALE CATALOG LISTING—30 day-cycle

$295 if accompanied by Featured Ad or Premier Spot • $1,000—Stand Alone

BREEDER DIRECTORY LISTING—$450 annually

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BULL PEN SIRE DIRECTORY—$835 Four Month Placement

eBlast SERVICES—$250 per blast

eBlast PREFERRED POSITIONS—Contact for Pricing

ONLINE SALE HOSTING Contact for Pricing

4-Time Contract Print Ad Discount - 5%

Annual Contract Digital/Print Discount - 15%

NORTH REGION

Sarah Johnson 614/266-2646

sarah@limousin365.com

SOUTH REGION

DeRon Heldermon 405/850-5102

deron@limousin365.com

NALF will keep the membership updated as the research is finalized later this year. It is the intent of the NALF board to not only learn where our cattle may potentially excel, but also where the breed needs to focus for improvement as we move forward.

As you recall, the North American Limousin Foundation released its Terminal Index last February which is built utilizing iGENDEC. Recently at the summer board meeting, the NALF Board of Directors approved an adjustment to the Terminal Index which increases the emphasis on dry matter conversion rates by incorporating weaning to yearling weight spread for cattle (YW-WW weighted by a marginal economic value of $.277).

YW and WW were removed in the current updated version of NALF’s TI. By incorporating gain spread from WW to YW, correlations for both weight traits have increased by nearly double and better reflect the value of dry matter conversion in today’s competitive cattle feeding business as it relates to feed efficiency and cattle that have superior cost of gains.

iGENDEC is a web-based tool used to enable the construction of economically optimal selection indexes. iGENDEC allows for index

continued on page 16

Reaping The Rewards Reaping The Rewards

Weaning time is our favorite time of year because we are rewarded for our years’ work. The current calf crop at Begert Limousin represents more than 50 years of breeding and selection. The young bulls and females in this group have been developed and raised in a real world environment and are ready to go out and thrive. If you are in the market for double homozygous, purebred bulls and females that will add more profitability to your program, come reap the rewards of the genetics available at Begert Limousin.

Large selection of breeding-age, double homozygous, Purebred bulls and females for sale private treaty — Call today.

customization through adjustment of economic and production parameters to reflect actual historical price data and made available via the Beef Improvement Federation.

The new Terminal Index (TI) has been constructed to identify sires that produce the highest profit potential fed cattle. The new index was created using the most recent 10 years of USDA reported fed cattle and grid pricing data, K-State reported feedlot cattle performance and NALF data. The bio-economic index represents a leap forward in selection technology and was developed using the iGENDEC platform. The new TI index models the use of Limousin sires on Angus-based cows with all calves marketed on a value-based carcass grid. The units reported represent expected differences in profit per mating.

Below are the EPD traits and Marginal Economic Values used in the updated NALF Terminal Index.

LIMOUSIN SHOW

The above marginal values, which are determined by parameters in the iGENDEC program, are simply multiplied by each EPD trait and then added up for a total $ index value on each animal in the herdbook. The range seen on NALF’s 4,500 active sires reflects a high of $210.00 and a low of -$16.00 with a mean of $94.00. You will be able to query and look up cattle by classification in the NALF DigitalBeef system similar to other EPDs.

It is important to remember that the Terminal Index is specifically designed for terminal sires that excel in feeding performance and carcass characteristics on an economic relevant basis. It utilizes actual historical price data and is much more reflective of today’s current fed cattle market and feeding performance requirements in the fed cattle industry.

While NALF’s older Mainstream Terminal Index (MTI) has served us well the last 20 years, it is based off older carcass price spreads and yield grade premiums that have changed dramatically in the last 20 years. The iGENDEC software is a leap forward for index development that allows us keep up with actual market pricing structures and feed cost in an ever-changing formula and grid marketing system.

The NALF board will look to sunset the MTI index in the near future. The board has also approved moving forward with the development of a Maternal Index for females once IGS has finished and released the Mature Cow Weight EPD for all IGS cooperators.

NALF also now has approximately 250,000 actual carcass phenotypes incorporated into its database and weekly cattle evaluation which is by far the lead for carcass phenotype incorporation into its herdbook amongst breed associations in the U.S. This has greatly improved carcass EPD accuracies for not only herdbook sires, but their related progeny. Call the NALF office if you have any questions on the new Terminal Index and recently released EPD traits of Dry Matter Intake, ADG and the Feed Efficiency sub-index. We look forward to a profitable year moving into 2025 for all NALF membership

Building On A Strong FOUNDATION

MEMBER AND INDUSTRY NEWS BRIEFS

Need Registration Certificates?

Do you need registration certificates for an upcoming show, a show validation or any other purpose? NALF staff is happy to send the registration certificates to you. Submit your request to the NALF office at least two weeks prior to the event to make sure they reach you on time. Requests may be made to Stephanie at steph@NALF.org.

Rush Orders on Registrations and Transfers

When mailing in rush registrations and transfers, please print RUSH on the outside of the envelope and when emailing please put RUSH in the subject line. Since the busy time of year is upon us in the NALF office, this will help make sure your work gets processed immediately. The $25 rush fee for each certificate, noted on the self-billing worksheet, is in effect as of now. There are no rush orders available on lab work and ET calves.

Order Your Show Vest Today

on the chest. You may order using the form found under the Shows tab at NALF.org or by contacting Stephanie at steph@NALF.org.

Vests must be worn in the show ring at ALL Level I MOE shows (American Royal, NAILE, Cattlemen’s Congress and the Fort Worth Stock Show).

MOE Points Totals

Updated point totals are located on the MOE show standings page at NALF.org. For any questions, contact Mallory Blunier, director of media & activities, at mallory@NALF.org, or Brooklyn Thompson, media & activities assistant, at brooklyn@NALF.org.

Level II MOE show results MUST be submitted by December 1, 2024, to be counted.

NALF Office Closed

The North American Limousin Foundation office will be closed select days over the upcoming holiday season. Take note the office

If you have not yet ordered your Limousin soft shell show vest, do so today. The show vests are a black soft shell with the Limousin logo continued on page 20

Maximize Profits

will be closed Thursday, November 28 and Friday, November 29 for Thanksgiving and Tuesday, December 24 and Wednesday, December 25 for Christmas. The office will be open for regular hours of 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. MST Monday, December 23 and Thursday, December 26.

DNA and Registration

The DNA turnaround is four weeks. Contact Tammy, tammy@ NALF.org, or Alison, alison@NALF.org, with any DNA questions. Mailed in registrations and transfers is a two-week turnaround, contact Stephanie at steph@NALF.org with any questions.

International Year Codes

2025 - N • 2024 - M • 2023 - L • 2022 - K

Join us in San Antonio for the 2025 Cattle Industry Convention and NCBA Trade Show

Registration is now open for the 2025 Cattle Industry Convention and National Cattlemen’s Beef Association Trade Show. The annual continued from page 18

continued on page 22

SUBSCRIPTION FORM

2025 Cattlemen’s Congress & Annual Limousin Convention

JANUARY 5-8, 2025 • OKLAHOMA CITY, OK

Entries open: November 1, 2024

Entry deadline: November 20, 2024

Ownership deadline: December 1, 2024

Late Entry and Substitution deadline: December 5, 2024

JUDGES:

Junior Limousin & Lim-Flex Shows: Andrew Foster, MI

Limousin & Lim-Flex Pen Shows: Chan Phillips, KY

National Limousin MOE Show: Ernie Wallace, MO

HEADQUARTERS HOTEL:

Embassy Suites by Hilton Will Rogers World Airport 1815 S Meridian Ave, Oklahoma City, OK 73108

Main: 405-682-6000, Fax: 405-682-9252

Rate: $112/room

TENTATIVE SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

Thursday, January 2

8:00 a.m. Cattle Arrive

Friday, January 3

All Day Cattle Arrive

Saturday, January 4

6:00 p.m. Cattle in Place

Sunday, January 5

9:00 a.m. Check-in

Monday, January 6

ADDRESS

ADDRESS

10:00 a.m. Annual Meeting @ Cattlemen’s Bar

6:00 p.m. Membership Banquet, Ken Holloway Genetics on Ice Auction - Hotel

* CornerPost Raffle Drawing in conjunction with Genetics on Ice Benefit Auction

Tuesday, January 7

8:00 a.m. Junior Limousin & Lim-Flex® Shows

1:00 p.m. Limousin & Lim-Flex® Pen Show

Wednesday, January 8

8:00 a.m. National Limousin MOE Show 10:00 p.m. All Cattle Out

More information and deadlines will be made available in the coming weeks on the NALF website, Limousin Latest and social media outlets.

convention will be held in San Antonio, Texas, February 4-6, 2025. Convention participants will hear from industry leaders and gather insight on industry trends.

Visit convention.ncba.org for more information.

Nominations Sought for NALF Awards

Each year NALF honors a Commercial Producer of the Year, a Commercial Marketing Booster of the Year and a Limousin Promoter of the Year. These awards are presented at Cattlemen’s Congress. NALF is currently seeking nominations for this year’s awards. Nominations are due by December 1. Nomination forms may be found under the Member Center of the Management tab at NALF.org or may be requested from the NALF office at 303-220-1693 or Limousin@NALF.org.

CornerPost REVERSE Raffle

The NALJA Board of Directors is excited about this year’s NEW REVERSE CornerPost raffle! The juniors are selling raffle tickets to win $20,000 CASH, the LAST ticket drawn will win!

How it works:

- Only 425 tickets will be sold.

- The 1st and every 25th ticket drawn will receive cash starting at $25 and increasing by $25 each time.

- The last ten tickets in the drawing will have the opportunity to auction their ticket off – NALJA will keep 15% of auctioned price.

- Drawings will take place throughout the 2025 Genetics On Ice Auction on January 6, 2025 in Oklahoma City (do not have to be present to win).

- Tickets are $200.

In short, we will have 18 winners this year! Contact a junior board member to purchase your ticket today.

Candidates Set for the NALF Board of Directors Election

The NALF nominating committee has slated the candidates for the 2025 Board of Directors’ election. The election will be held during the NALF annual membership meeting on Monday, January 6, in conjunction with Cattlemen’s Congress. The following individuals have been slated by the nominating committee:

Rod Reynolds, Colorado (first term)

William Long, Iowa (first term)

Casey Fanta, Minnesota (first term)

Kim Getz, West Virginia (first term)

In addition to four new slates, the board also approved one candidate to re-up for their second three-year term—Lance Sennett, Indiana.

All candidates nominated will have their biographies published on the NALF Social Media platforms, Limousin Latest and NALF.org.

If you are not able to attend the annual meeting (during Cattlemen’s Congress), you may request an official ballot from the NALF office prior to December 1, 2024. You must submit a letter to the NALF office

requesting an absentee ballot. A form letter is available on the NALF website to place the request. The office will not accept requests after that date. Once members complete and sign their absentee ballots, they should return them to NALF’s official accountant prior to December 31.

2025 National Western Stock Show

JANUARY 8-13, 2025 • DENVER, CO

Entry deadline: November 20, 2024

Ownership deadline: December 1, 2024

Late entry deadline: December 20, 2024

JUDGES:

Junior Limousin Show: Dave Allen, TX

Level II MOE Limousin Show: Kyle Gillooly, GA

Limousin & Lim-Flex Pen Show: Don MacLennan, CO

HEADQUARTERS HOTEL:

Embassy Suites by Hilton Denver Central Park 4444 North Havana Street, Denver, CO 80239

Main: 303-375-0400

Rate: $129/room

TENTATIVE SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

Wednesday, January 8

All Day

Friday, January 10

Yard Cattle Arrive

Hill Cattle Arrive

1:00 p.m. Hill Cattle In Place

Hill Cattle Check-In

5:00 p.m. Yard Cattle In Place

Saturday, January 11

8:00 a.m. Yard Cattle Check-In

Sunday, January 12

8:00 a.m. Junior Limousin Show

Level II MOE Limousin Show

After Show Hill Cattle Released

Monday, January 13

8:00 a.m. Limousin & Lim-Flex Pen Show

After Show Yard Cattle Released

Tuesday, January 14

All Day

All Cattle Out

More information and deadlines will be made available in the coming weeks on the NALF website, Limousin Latest and social media outlets.

TNavigating the Roller Coaster Ride of Entrepreneurship in the Cattle Business

here is nothing like the thrill of bringing your cattle breeding vision to life, turning an idea into a thriving business, seizing an opportunity that challenges the status quo and makes a positive impact on people and the world in the industry. The journey of an entrepreneur is indeed special, exciting and rewarding, but it can also be downright terrifying.

Get comfortable being uncomfortable.

Discomfort is inevitable but we can learn to recognize discomfort as a catalyst for growth, and to embrace it because it often means something amazing is about to happen. Some of the best advice I’ve been given that I would pass on to aspiring entrepreneurs, is to first gain clarity about your vision. Choose a path that not only interests you but also showcases the strengths of your program. Dedicate yourself to outworking the competition with consistent effort and resilience. Your success will be a combination of clarity, consistency and hard work—elements that will naturally set you apart while preserving the integrity of the vision that drives you.

Including your clients in your vision is a big part of being successful.

What makes your program different from other breeders? Getting your boots on the ground to find new customers and provide service and attention to repeat customers, is an incredible way to expand the reach of your vision into lasting relationships and business partnerships that can benefit both your program and the breed as a whole. Real success is a marathon, not a sprint. It is a long road to achieve lasting success. Those that take time to prioritize customer service as a part of their growth make every other element of their journey to success stronger.

Cheers to celebrating all things great in “Limousin.”

Look what happens when you keep replacements from Leonard bulls.

What is the Leonard Difference?

FOR SALE PRIVATE TREATY

100 Registered Limousin, Lim-Flex, Angus Bulls

100 Bred Registered Limousin, Lim-Flex, Angus Females

One of the reasons Leonard Limousin is different is because their purebred philosophy is built on one simple concept: When you buy a drill, it isn’t the drill you want, or even holes. You want what the hole can do for you. Leonards realized 50 years ago that when cattlemen buy bulls they don’t really want a bull, or even calves—it’s profits and success they are after. Every effort of Leonard Limousin is to see that those who buy breeding stock from us enjoy success. That’s why more than 80% of our bulls sell to repeat customers every year. Our unwavering commitment to the things that matter in beef production has kept us and our customers in business since 1969.

If you need an elite herd sire or groups of half brothers for a commercial operation, we can provide you proven feed conversion, growth rate and calm disposition genetics.

MARK & SHERYL LEONARD

1362 Hwy. 59, Holstein, IA 51025

712-368-2611 work • 712-830-9032 cell

mark@agcomfinancial.com Al Morales, Herdsman • 712-304-2035

www.LeonardLimousin.com In the Limousin Business Since 1969

TUBMILL

Blending

Picture a farmer’s market. Only instead of tents set up in a parking lot, the wide variety of locally sourced food, drinks and snacks are under one roof. The freshly remodeled building dating back to the 1930s is tastefully decorated, quiet, comfy and filled with unique food and beverage items. The staff is all too eager to please, displaying genuine smiles while handing you a cattle ear tag which serves as your order number.

The journey to this point has come with it’s fair share of challenges, growing pains and twists and turns along the way. But if you know anything about the family behind it, the relative immediate success of Tubmill Creek Provisions should come as no surprise.

It all began during the high school and college days of John Goodish in Greene County, Pennsylvania, in the southwest corner of the state.

“Life changes and affects what your decisions are,” John says. “I’m not going to tell you this (the store) was our dream, but it’s where we are today.”

John was first exposed to the cattle business in his youth. His grandfather had cattle and in high school he worked for a neighbor who had Angus cows. A young John began building his own herd, taking the profits from the cattle he would sell and reinvesting it into additional females.

CREEK FARMS Tradition, Innovation and Community

In 1984, John, whose background is in accounting, was transferred to a steel mill in Indiana, so he and his wife, Kitty, sold the 64 cows, followed by the land a couple years later.

Fast forward 20 years. In 2003, after returning from working in Europe, John reminded Kitty that when he retired he wanted to return to raising cattle. Kitty had her real estate license so the couple started looking for land, but the property in Washington County (southwest of Pittsburgh) was too expensive so they expanded their search east of Pittsburgh to Westmoreland County.

“That’s when we bought the main farm from the Swatsworth family,” John remembers. “It was available, it looked good to us and we thought it had potential.”

Formerly known as the Hood Farm, John and Kitty’s first farm in New Florence, Pennsylvania, was originally purchased in 1885 by Robert and Ella Hood. Over the next 120 years, the farm served as home to Robert Hood and his heirs, all of whom raised cattle. Jerry Swatsworth, the husband of Robert’s granddaughter, Helen, started raising Limousin cattle and laid the foundation for what would become Tubmill Creek Farms. Jerry and Helen changed the name of the farm to Tubmill Creek, after the trout creek that runs through the farm. Over time, John and Kitty acquired additional

continued on page 30

property and more cattle began to graze the picturesque rolling hills of the Laurel Highlands area of Western Pennsylvania. The last farm was purchased in 2016 and cow numbers grew to approximately 300 head. Since then, the herd has downsized to a more manageable number of around 100 females.

In addition to the cattle operation, the 800 acres under the Tubmill Creek umbrella also includes a horse farm as well as a hay and bedding pellet operation.

“Originally the horse farm was going to be a bull stud,” John says.

As plans changed, the horse farm facilities, which includes both indoor and outdoor boarding and exercise areas, were leased out to a third party.

John added, “We stock as many local and Pennsylvania-made products as possible. We try not to compete with other local stores in terms of the products we offer.”

“You can’t live your life being afraid. Be cautious, but do what your heart tells you to do.”

The next piece of the puzzle began to form in 2022, after John and Kitty visited a store/restaurant in Oklahoma. In their minds, the neighboring town of Ligonier, Pennsylvania, seemed to be the perfect place to make a go of a similar establishment. Thus, Tubmill Creek Provisions was born.

According to the store’s website (www.tubmillcreekprovisions.com), the goal is to provide a true farm-to-table experience.

“As local farmers, we understand the importance of knowing where your food comes from. Tubmill Creek Provisions is founded on the idea that good food is not found in a box or a plastic package, shipped across long distances. Good food is found right here in our local community, grown and raised with love.”

John Goodish

Truth be told, Tubmill Creek Provisions wears many hats. The 5,400 square foot building has a climate controlled porch, indoor dining, fireplace and leather lounge chairs. It’s an in-house bakery, cafe, deli, custom meat counter and gourmet coffee shop with plans to add a full service bar featuring locally crafted beer and international wines unique to Ligonier, yet price affordable for the demographic. At any given time, patrons are able to purchase a variety of fresh, locally sourced beef, pork, lamb, chicken, milk, eggs and fresh sausages. They also carry produce, a variety of pastries, breads, cookies, honey, lunch meat, cheeses, drinks, nuts, coffee, etc. In addition to the “grocery” store type items, customers are able to pull up a chair and enjoy coffee, sweets, cheeseburgers and sandwiches from their large selection of items.

John and Kitty’s daughters, Emily and Amanda, are integral parts of the store, doing everything from payroll, to making coffee, to baking, to making supply runs.

“The girls do the research in terms of who to buy from. They go to the farms and visit as many of the people as they can,” John said.

When the store opened in March of 2024, they were processing one Tubmill Creek steer every other week to keep the coolers stocked. In a relatively short time, the demand grew to one steer per week which John suspects is where it will likely remain. John estimates the 90 or so calves born on the farm should give them enough cattle to process for the store, in addition to allowing them to keep back replacement heifers for the herd.

“We will expand if the store keeps growing,” John said.

“The goal of the breeding program is to produce calves over 50% Limousin. Given our size and what we are trying to do, the numbers (EPDs and actual performance) matter. We have always bred cattle with good numbers. Most people agree that some of the best cattle in the breed are Lim-Flex, but you can’t have good quality Lim-Flex without good quality purebreds,” John says.

“Our carcasses range anywhere from 55 to 62% of live weight depending upon the breeding. Breeding does matter,” John says. “We were breeding for beef before we started the store. Our goal has always been to raise topquality beef bulls and females. Zeb and Kelly do an excellent job of keeping track of new bulls coming onto the market which keeps us on the leading edge of genetic progress.”

Farm manager, Zeb O’Boyle, and his wife, Kelly, joined the team in 2013. Zeb manages the cow herd and cattle feeding operation, and works closely with John

continued on page 32

AUTO GRETEL 234G

SIRE: CELL Envision

DAM: CELL Miss Responder

87% Limousin | Homozygous Polled | Homozygous Black A full sib to CELL History Maker!

ELCX ELEVATE 684F

SIRE: EF Xcessive Force

DAM: DFLC HBHPC 1S

62% Lim-Flex | Homozygous Polled | Homozygous Black

AUTO SOLO 419E

SIRE: Riverstone Crown Royal DAM: AUTO April 202A

75% Lim-Flex | Homozygous Polled | Homozygous Black

AUTO FLY GIRL 252F

SIRE: MAGS Aviator

DAM: AUTO Luckie Too 423Y

79% Limousin | Polled | Homozygous Black

Jimmy Byers, 423.817.1796 David Byers, 423.963.2744 davidbyers772890@gmail.com 803 Ford Creek Road, Gray, TN 37615

SET A REMINDER

2nd Annual Bull Sale

continued from page 30

to determine the best breeding options as well as how many animals are retained for breeding and feeding. Zeb also heads up the sizable hay operation.

Kelly is also very hands on.

“Kelly does a little bit of everything,” Zeb says. “She helps with calving and is my lifeline in the middle of the night. She helped decorate the store, fills in at the store whenever it’s needed and helps feed the cows. She jumps in and helps wherever it is needed.”

Alexis (A.J.) Rumford, is Zeb and Kelly’s daughter. She lives on the horse farm with her husband Ty and their one-year-old daughter. A.J. takes many of the photos for the farm and store while her husband, Ty, lends a hand to Zeb whenever and wherever his services are needed.

“When I first started here, the main focus of the cow herd was on performance and power. The cattle’s growth numbers were huge,” Zeb said. “We thought that if we could get some marbling in them, we would really be doing something. Our philosophy now is to have a happy medium. We still look at all of the traits. If you really study it, they all coincide.”

“We are still breeding cattle the way we always have. We are just marketing them differently,” Zeb concluded.

As far as the entirety of Tubmill Creek is concerned, history tells us there are chapters still to be written.

“We have to continually be innovative,” John said. “Where would agriculture be without innovation?”

“Don’t let yourself be the barrier for why you don’t live your dream,” John said. “You can’t live your life being afraid. Be cautious, but do what your heart tells you to do.”

Ben Petre (740) 408-2433

Passionate Pursuit Of Excellence

As you consider fall breeding, keep our bull pen in mind. Our fourth generation Limousin ranch is built on the simple concept that cattle must perform. The bulls that walk our pastures have proven themselves numerically and phenotypically. Pursue excellence — Add them to your AI sire lineup today.

Landslide 25L NXM2568077

Los Toro 7064L NXM2604964

Wulfs Kactus 4841K NPM2509653

WZRK Kryptonite 5022K NPM2520652

Owned with

TMCK Kickin Up Dust 2261K LFM2525708

WZRK Liberty Bell 9040L NPM2605023

COLE Jackpot 38J NXM2377369

WZRK Kalua 0033K NPM2520705

Annual Sale February

WZRK
Owned with Wulf Cattle.
Owned with Hager Cattle Co.
COLE
Owned with Coleman Limousin Ranch.
CELL
Owned with Linhart Limousin.
Fillmore Ranch.
Owned with Duplaga Limousin.
Owned with Wulf Cattle and Clark Cattle.
Owned with Coleman Limousin Ranch and Hager Cattle Co.

Limousin Tops Vytelle 150

Proven Sires of 2024 List

Vytelle, a pioneer in bovine reproduction and precision breeding technology, released its Top 150 Proven Bulls for 2024. This year marks the 5th annual edition of the public release. In collaboration with 38 performance focused breeders who are part of the Vytelle network, the company curates the world’s largest multibreed efficiency database. Each year, this Top 150 Proven Bulls list showcases the cream of the crop among more than 324,763 animals spanning 29 diverse breeds.

“At Vytelle, we are committed to empowering cattle producers with the tools and data they need to drive sustainable genetic progress,” remarked Kerryann Kocher, Chief Executive Officer of Vytelle. “The continued development and expansion of the Vytelle network and release of the Top 150 Proven Bulls for the fifth year in a row, represents our dedication to precision and data-driven decision-making, providing insight for cattle producers worldwide to optimize their mating selections with confidence.”

The Limousin bull Wulfs Gamebory C911G ended up with the top listing. Other Limousin bulls in the top 20 included: Wulfs Defend K909D in 10th place and VL Hunker Down 003H in the 20th position. All told, 19 Limousin bulls made the top 150 list.

The bulls featured in the Top 150 Proven Bulls list meet stringent criteria, including:

• A minimum three-generation pedigree.

• RFI EPD accuracy of 0.6 or higher.

• Testing and reporting via Vytelle’s innovative Vytelle SENSETM system.

Leveraging the world’s largest multi-breed database, Vytelle continues to revolutionize the industry by furnishing producers with valuable insights into feed efficiency and performance, crucial for maximizing long term profitability.

Lisa Rumsfeld, Vice President of Business Development & Strategy at Vytelle, remarked, “The significance of selecting for feed efficiency cannot be overstated, particularly as feed costs account for a substantial portion of a beef producer’s expenses. Our network partners are witnessing heightened interest in their programs, underscored by the potential for marketing premiums associated with verified feed efficiency and methane emissions reduction claims.”

The Vytelle SENSE system, a cornerstone of Vytelle’s technology suite, captures phenotypic data with unparalleled precision. By simultaneously measuring individual animal feed intake and weight, this innovative system provides real-time insights crucial for informed decision-making. With feed intake measured to a remarkable 10-gram resolution and in-pen weighing positions enabling individual weight measurements every second while animals drink, Vytelle empowers producers with unprecedented levels of accurate phenotypic data that inform the Vytelle breeding evaluation.

To access the complete listing of the Top 150 Proven Bulls for 2024, visit: https:// vytelle.com/breeding-values

Credit For Kids

The 2025 National Junior Limousin Show & Congress is sure to be a top-tier event for all Limousin enthusiasts in part because of the funds raised by the generous donors and buyers in the Credit For Kids Auction. We greatly appreciate and thank you for supporting Limousin youth!

Thank You to those who contributed to the 2024 Credit For Kids Auction.

Aaron Whittington • ATAK Limousin • BCV Farms • Beckman Livestock & Farming • Boyce-Dill Cattle

Buck Ridge Cattle Co. Coleman Limousin Ranch Coyote Hills Ranch Cross Creek Farms

Davis Ranches • Diamond V Ranch • Duplaga Limousin Farms • Edwards Land & Cattle Co. • Evavold Limousin

Excel Ranches • Freebird Farms • Glendenning J Bar J • Henderson Farms • Hunt Limousin Ranch

Justin Frost Lawrence Family Limousin Lenape Cattle Co. Limousin365  Linhart Limousin

Lonely Valley Seedstock • MC Marketing • Mike Kuhlman • Minor Limousin • NALF / NALJA • Old 24 Cattle

P Bar S Ranch Peterson’s L7 Bar Limousin Pinnell Limousin R&R Marketing  Radke Land & Cattle

Rafter DP Farm & Ranch Red Rock Limousin Reynolds Land & Cattle ROM’N Limousin

Schuppe Farms • Sennett Cattle • Shelby Skinner Cattle • South Fork Ranch • Spring Creeks Cattle Co.

Symens Brothers T4 Livestock  Torgenson Farms Travis Bies Vorthmann Limousin

Wieczorek Limousin • Wies Limousin Ranch • Wilder Family Limousin • Wulf Cattle

June 20-26, 2025

ENTRY DEADLINE: May 1, 2025

LATE ENTRY DEADLINE: May 15, 2025

SHOW LOCATION:

Georgia National Fairgrounds and Agriculture Center 401 Golden Isles Pkwy Perry, GA 31069

HEADQUARTER HOTELS: COMING SOON!

Casey Fanta

Starbuck, MN

1st

Term

Meet the NALF Director Candidates

The North American Limousin Foundation nominating committee has selected the following candidates for the 2025 Board of Directors’ election.

Casey Fanta was born and raised on a farm and ranch in Tappen, North Dakota, that his parents, Donald and Marcia Fanta, still operate today. After graduating from Tappen High School, he studied at North Dakota State University before venturing into a career in Ranch and Seedstock Management.

His first experience with Limousin was managing the show and sale cattle for Yackley – CMC, Onida, South Dakota. He learned a lot about the breed and cattle business while working for Bob and Steve Yackley. He then moved on to manage Little Mondeaux Limousin, Genoa, Nevada, until their historic dispersal sale. Casey was then at Express Ranches when they held their first Limousin production sale and started campaigning a show string across the country. The next chapter was managing Dunford Royal Cattle Company in Woodstock, Ontario, Canada. It became a successful Limousin operation that later added Angus. Twelve years ago, he was sought out by Jerry Wulf to fill a void in their operation. He made the move back to the United States to accept the position as Seedstock Manager for Wulf Cattle in Morris, Minnesota. The Angus herd from Dunford Royal came along and became part of Wulf Cattle, where it has been utilized to enhance their Lim-Flex® program. The company’s seedstock breeding plan is greatly influenced by the profitability drivers which are realized by the approximately 150,000 head of Wulf Cattle sired progeny they feed out annually.

Casey and his wife, Kelly, reside in Starbuck, Minnesota, with their son Wiley, who is a part of the MC Marketing Management team. Their daughter, Ashley, still lives in Ontario, Canada with her husband Micheal and sons MJ and Clark.

Casey is involved with breeding, promoting and marketing Limousin cattle and genetics every day, whether at the headquarters in Morris, at Sandy Ridge Ranch (Atkinson, Nebraska) or on the road working with customers. He has been a long-time director of the Minnesota Limousin Association and a director of the Heartland Limousin Association. He is honored and excited to serve the North American Limousin Foundation and the breed that has been such a big part of his life.

Term

Kim Getz of Scherr, West Virginia, along with his wife, Becky, own and operate Rolling Acres Farms. Rolling Acres is a 100-cow registered seedstock operation producing registered Angus, Limousin and Lim-Flex cattle. Kim and Becky own 250 acres and lease an additional 400 acres of hay and pasture ground.

Kim is a 4th generation cattleman, and his hope is that his son, Stephen, and his three grandchildren will continue the operation to the 5th and 6th generations. Stephen was a two-term NALJA board member having served as treasurer for two years and vice-president for one year. He is now a practicing veterinarian and recently purchased his own farm 1.5 miles down the road from the home farm.

Kim’s first experience with Limousin cattle was during a beef production class trip while in college. He was impressed enough that he purchased a purebred bull and one purebred cow the following year. He was so pleased with the impact the bull had on their predominantly commercial-Angus herd that he began retaining and registering percentage females and purchasing registered females when funds permitted. With the use of performance testing, AI and embryo transfer, the herd has grown to what it is today.

Rolling Acres participates in the Wardensville-WVU bull test and the Potomac State college heifer test. Most of Rolling Acres cattle are marketed through private treaty sales, as well as consignment and online sales.

Kim attended West Virginia University majoring in animal science. He is a member of the Locust Grove Church serving on the Deacon board and as a trustee. He also serves on the West Virginia Cattlemen’s Association Board of Directors, the West Virginia Beef Expo Board of Directors, the West Virginia Limousin Breeders Association Board of Directors where he is currently the treasurer, and the Grand County Farmland Protection Board.

Kim sees a bright future for the Limousin breed and looks forward to serving on the North American Limousin Foundation board if elected.

continued on page 38

As we head into fall we are reminded of the reasons to be grateful for the Limousin breed. Limousin365 is working with the community in both the digital and print community to share information on the breed and its breeders. We are thankful to you all. Please contact your area sales representative if we can be of assistance to you this fall.

LIMOUSIN SALE

NOVEMBER 27, 2024

continued from page 36

William Long Afton, IA 1st Term

William Long is from Afton, Iowa, and currently runs Long and Sons Limousin.

Rolling hills, pasture, timber and fertile crop ground surround the farm in southwest Iowa.

Long and Sons Limousin was established in 1970. William purchased the registered, purebred Limousin cattle herd from his father in 1996. He was one of the original “sons” in Long and Sons Limousin, and is proud his three sons (and daughter) are the third generation of promoters and believers in Limousin genetics.

7:00 PM • INTERNATIONAL ROOM • REGINA, SASKATCHEWAN Held in Conjunction with Canadian Western Agribition

SELLING 20 PREMIER LIMOUSIN LOTS

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 26

11:00 a.m. First Lady Futurity & Classic President’s Classic Bull Calf Jackpot

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 27

6:30 p.m. Social Hour

7:00 p.m. Solid Gold Limousin Sale

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 28

10:00 a.m. Limousin Show

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 30

9:00 a.m. Canadian Junior Beef Extreme

4:00 p.m. Agribition Beef Supreme Drive

INTERNET BIDDING AVAILABLE THROUGH:

SALES TEAM:

MC Marketing Management

Kiley McKinna • 402-350-3447

Wiley Fanta • 320-287-0751

LIVESTOCK REP:

Canadian Limousin Assoc. Pres.

Ashton Hewson • 306-390-7987

R&R Marketing Co. Randy Ratliff • 615-330-2735

AUCTIONEER: Ryan Dorran • 403-507-2735

William and his family maintain a herd of approximately 125 registered Limousin and Lim-Flex cattle. In addition to their calf-cow operation, they sell seedstock bulls annually and feed out approximately 200 head of cattle in their feedlot operation. Although they purchase some cattle to fill the feedlot, it is certainly a rewarding moment to watch their own home-raised Limousin cattle load onto the truck – those fat cattle display muscle and feed efficiency and are the best advertisement for the muscle, heterosis and growth of Limousin genetics. The Longs are truly a “pasture to plate operation” and continually see that Limousin genetics fit in every aspect. In addition to cattle, they grow corn, raise seedstock soybeans and make hay.

William is currently serving as secretary for the Iowa Limousin Association and has served on the board for at least twenty years. He is also a board member for the Heartland Limousin Association. In the late 1980s, William served on the NALJA Board of Directors and still values the friendships of those who served with him. His kids have shown Limousin and Lim-Flex cattle at the local, state and national level; promoting cattle and agriculture through their 4-H and FFA activities.

William and his wife, Sarah, have triplet sons, Riley, Peyton and Emmet, who are current college students studying ag business, John Deere Tech and animal science. Their daughter Maria, who is in high school, aspires to become a large-animal veterinarian. Each family member has an area of expertise/interest related to the farm, and they enjoy working together and continuing the agricultural heritage of their family.

William is honored to have been asked to be a candidate for the NALF Board of Directors. Limousin cattle have been and are his livelihood. He would welcome the opportunity to serve on the board to learn the workings of the association and help the Limousin breed progress into the future.

continued on page 40

Official Publication of the North American Limousin Foundation

2005 Ruhl Drive • Guthrie, OK 73044 405/260-3775 • Fax: 405/260-3766 www.Limousin365.com

BREEDER ADVERTISING RATES

FULL PAGE

All advertisements are 4-color process

$1,225

ISSUE MATERIALS PUBLISHED

January - Spring Sale Edition Dec. 1 Dec. 23

April - Herd Bull Edition Mar. 1 Mar. 25

July - Breeder Directory Edition June 1 June 25

October - Fall Sale Edition Sept. 1 Sept. 25

Advertising materials to Kyle Haley 405/260-3775 • kbhaley2@gmail.com

CLOSING DATES

Refer to listing above.

ADVERTISING SKETCHES

Requests for advertising layouts must be in the L365 office 10 days before copy deadline.

TERMS

All accounts are due and payable as billed. Interest charges of 1-1/2% per month (18% APR) will be assessed to 30-day unpaid accounts. Customers with overdue accounts will be put on a prepay basis for subsequent advertising business.

CONTRACT DISCOUNT

L365 contracts for 4-time print and annual digital/print combinations are available at substantial discounts. Contact the L365 field representative in your area or call the L365 office at 405/260-3775.

DIFFICULT ADS

Ads requiring substantial extra production work will be assessed extra charges at standard shop rates. If you prefer no extra charges, request us to simplify the ad at our discretion if necessary.

COPY CHANGES

Alterations in advertising copy, if requested after closing date, will be made only if time permits.

REPRINTS

Advertising reprints are available. Requests for reprints must be made at the time the order for the ad is placed.

All other questions, contact the L365 office.

continued from page 38

Rod Reynolds

Sanford, CO 1st Term

Rod Reynolds has dedicated his life to three things: God, family and Limousin cattle.

Raised in the Colorado mountains in the San Luis Valley, his passion for cattle began as a boy working side by side with his dad, Phil Reynolds. Along with his dad and brother Ric, they developed a different kind of cattle. They began breeding Hereford to Brown Swiss to increase milk production and growth. Eventually, in the early ’80s with the introduction of Limousin cattle to the United States, they began crossing the Brown Swiss with Limousin. The cattle they developed needed to be able to handle the rugged conditions and high altitude of their summer pastures in New Mexico. They did just that and their cattle continue to excel at high altitude and rugged terrain while never sacrificing milk or growth, which led their cattle to be called “A Breed Apart”.

In present day, Rod works alongside his son, Troy, still breeding his Limousin cattle to be “A Breed Apart”. Through the years, Rod and Troy have also been breeding Angus and Lim-Flex show cattle. Rod has also served in various church callings, including Bishop from 2005-2011. Rod has always had a strong belief in God and in the Savior Jesus Christ.

Rod has been married to his wife Annette, a local sheep rancher’s daughter, for 42 years. Together they have three children, all who have continued to stay in agriculture. Hannah is a local schoolteacher who, with her husband and kids, run a small herd of Limousin and Lim-Flex cattle. Troy works with his dad and continues to carry on the Reynolds legacy with his wife and five daughters. Kylan lives in Nebraska running cattle and farming with her husband and children. Rod has twelve grandchildren, seven of them are involved in 4-H and continue to carry on the tradition of loving agriculture, God, family and good cattle.

SYES Sire Power

SYES John Doe 123J

Purebred • Homo Polled • Red

SYES Easy Going 77E x Miss Double Agent 103G

CE: 22 BW: -5.1 WW: 57 YW: 86

MK: 25 CM: 13 SC: 0.40 DC: 19 YG: -0.65

CW: 14 RE: 1.32 MB: -0.32 $MI: 41

Semen no longer available.

SYES Knockout 23K

Purebred • Homo Polled • Black

SYES Easy Going 77E x Miss SYES Backstage 32H

CE: 12 BW: 0.1 WW: 73 YW: 116

MK: 22 CM: 7 SC: 1.00 DC: 15 YG: -0.48 CW: 33 RE: 1.25 MB: -0.24 $MI: 47

COLE Genesis 86G

Purebred • Homo Polled • Black

HUNT Credentials 37C x COLE Miss Xrated 354A

CE: 16 BW: -1.2 WW: 66 YW: 102

MK: 34 CM: 11 SC: 0.50 DC: 15 YG: -0.02

CW: 37 RE: 0.46 MB: 0.73 $MI: 77

Semen available through Grassroots Genetics (515-229-5227).

SYES Easy Going 77E

Purebred • Homo Polled • Black

COLE Businessman 104B x Miss SYES Ransom 76X

CE: 19 BW: -4.1 WW: 58 YW: 91

MK: 21 CM: 12 SC: 0.70 DC: 18 YG: -0.57

CW: 18 RE: 1.29 MB: -0.31 $MI: 41

Semen available through Grassroots Genetics (515-229-5227).

SYES Hardrock 65H

FEBRUARY 27, 2025 • 1 PM At The Farm • Amherst, SD Selling 100 Bulls & 25 Females

Purebred • Homo Polled • Red

Wulfs Devils Lake K118D ET x Miss SYES Worktime 66B

CE: 12 BW: 1.5 WW: 72 YW: 116

MK: 30 CM: 6 SC: 0.55 DC: 18 YG: -0.52

CW: 36 RE: 1.40 MB: 0.14 $MI: 61

Semen available through Heritage Genetics (605-237-2127).

P.O. Box 155 • Amherst, South Dakota 57421

John: 605/880-8061 • Warren: 605/237-2127 Office: 605/448-2624 • jssymens@venturecomm.net Check Symens Bros Limousin on f for current information.

Making The List Making The List

Freed Show Cattle is built on passion and a competitive spirit shared through generations.

“It all stems back to my dad. He liked good cattle, good livestock. That’s how we got started.”

Ron Freed has been in the cattle business for 65 years, but when asked about his start in the industry, a long list of childhood memories race forward.

Thanks to his father, Bill, cows were always around — even when the barn started leaning towards empty, he said they’d somehow end up buying three cows. Then, his dad would come with another 10. And of course, “you couldn’t have 13,” so the cycle continued.

The show ring became the perfect outlet for the family to display their genetics. The herd was home to Angus cattle, but Freed said the breed was highly competitive. He began to look for other options, and an appreciation for big bodied, high-quality bloodlines led him to the Limousin breed.

“We’ve seen the performance on the bull side; when you turned them in with the Angus cattle, the calves came out good,” Ron explained.

It was that knowledge that encouraged Ron and his brother to purchase a Limousin bull of their own. When calves hit the ground out of the family’s black-hided cows, the pair knew they’d made a good decision.

Freed cattle started to make their mark in the show ring, especially as the third generation took to the same passion. Since his son, Jon, took to the show world as a 15 year old, Ron said their operation’s focus has been on Limousin.

“Already 25 years,” Ron said of his family’s history with the breed. “I can’t believe it when you put it like that.”

continued on page 44

Under Jon Freed’s guidance, Freed Show Cattle is making their mark in the show cattle industry and beyond.

FSC Land Payment was the 2024 NJLSC Grand Champion NEOGEN Ultimate Bull and Third Overall Bred & Owned Lim-Flex Bull.

continued from page 43

Today, Freed Show Cattle runs 60 cows, using in-vitro fertilization (IVF) and embryo transfer (ET) practices to help raise higher end show heifers, according to Jon, who now heads the operation.

Beyond being smack dab in the middle of what Jon calls “show cow country,” the operation’s location in Fairbury, Illinois, holds special meaning to the family.

TJFR Kadillac was the 2024 NJLSC Grand Champion Bred & Owned Lim-Flex Female.

The farmland they own today was purchased by Bill, who also built the house where Jon now raises his family. Even the show barn where calves are halter broke was built by Ron 22 years ago.

The homestead has been rooted in the family for years, but their total acreage has grown as the years have gone by — more crops were planted and herds expanded.

“We’re always building fence,” Jon admits.

continued on page 46

ROUNDING UP GREAT GENETICS

Whether you are a seedstock producer or commercial cattleman, we understand the desire to discover cattle that help grow your program and increase its value. When you are rounding up AI sires this fall, call on us to provide the genetics to take you to the next level.

While it was his father and grandfather who drew him into the cattle business, it’s been Jon’s children who have made the constant task of fence building worth it.

“It was a natural progression,” Jon said, noting all four of his boys have been drawn to the livestock. “They’re all in. I guess they made the decision for me.”

Cade, 13; Ty, 11; and Brock, 10, have all spent time on the end of a show halter, and Trace, 3, is sure to be following in their footsteps soon. Ty and Brock help Jon in the day-to-day work on the operation, and with each year that ticks by, they’ve been finding their voice as cattlemen, keeping Jon and his wife, Becky, on their toes.

“They’re getting older, and they can tell me what I’m doing wrong,” Jon adds with a laugh, “which is pretty entertaining.”

But all those opinions seem to be pushing the family in the right direction in Ron’s eyes. He’s proud of what Jon’s done with the herd since taking over.

“He’s more passionate than I am,” Ron said. “He lives and breathes this cattle deal.”

And truthfully, Ron can’t fault his grandsons for offering opinions that can challenge Jon’s ways of thinking each breeding season.

“I like different cattle than my son does,” Ron explains. “And that’s okay. I don’t think either one of us is right or wrong.”

Ron’s focus leans towards size and production. He loves a big cow that’s paired with a big calf. Jon himself wants an animal sound from the ground up, but knows show cattle have to be big boned and elegant through their front end.

Some of Ron’s preferences tie into Jon’s philosophies, too.

“I still think they’ve got to be cows in the end,” Jon said. “They’ve got to be able to raise a calf.”

Jon’s used technology to advance the herd quickly to help breed their ideal animal. He said the show industry is ever changing,

continued on page 48

Ron and Deborah Freed are proud of the direction the next generations are steering the program.

The Heartland Limousin Association welcomes all Limousin enthusiasts. The HLA is passionate about promoting Limousin genetics, honoring commercial producers and encouraging youth with their Limousin projects.

Who can join? Any reputable supporter of Limousin cattle is welcome as long as you fill out the application form and send $50 membership dues each year.

Make check payable to the HLA and return this form and $50 payment to: HLA, P.O. Box 33,

which requires breeders who want to stay competitive to adapt and do it quickly.

FREED SHOW CATTLE 2022-2024

National Placings

J6 Caitlyn 206L 2024 NJLSC Division II Reserve Champion NEOGEN Ultimate Female

2024 Eastern Regional 4th Overall Limousin Female

FSC Land Payment 2024 NJLSC Grand Champion NEOGEN Ultimate Bull

2024 NJLSC Third Overall Bred & Owned Lim-Flex Bull

2024 Southeast Summer Classic Reserve Champion Bull

2024 Eastern Regional Reserve Champion Lim-Flex Bull

“If you’re not growing, you’re dying,” Jon explains. “When you get a cow that is working, you’ve got to take advantage of the genetics.”

The show ring actually helps with that, he notes. Specific cow families and sires rise to the top, and keeping an eye on results can help guide breeding decisions.

IVF and ET help Jon “capture the freshness and excitement” of those bloodlines while also helping “speed time up.” Flushing a cow can result in a larger crop of successful calves in one year, meaning his kids and his clients are offered more opportunity.

Calves that aren’t kept back for the family are sold through private treaty. While there’s no date circled on the calendar yet, Jon said he hopes an online sale is in the future for Freed Show Cattle.

The biggest thing holding them back is herd numbers. Jon wants to make sure his kids have animals to show each year without forcing clients to show against them. It’s a choice that benefits both his children and his customers, as Jon wants anyone with Freed genetics to have a good shot at being on the receiving end of a champion slap.

That selfless attitude is one Ron thinks comes naturally to those in the livestock industry.

“You have to treat the people around you like you want to be treated,” he adds.

As his grandsons have taken to the cattle world, that’s one of many lessons Ron hopes he’s passing their way.

TJFR Kadillac

FSC Kit Kat

2024 NJLSC Grand Champion Bred & Owned Lim-Flex Female

2024 Southeast Summer Classic Supreme Champion Female

2024 Eastern Regional Grand Champion Lim-Flex Female

2024 Eastern Regional Grand Champion Bred & Owned Lim-Flex Female

2023 NAILE Reserve Champion Bred & Owned Female

2023 NJLSC Division II 3rd Overall Owned Lim-Flex Female

2023 Southeast Summer Classic Reserve Champion Limousin Female

2023 World Beef Expo Champion LimFlex Heifer

2023 NJLSC Division II 3rd Overall Bred & Owned Lim-Flex Female

PRF R&K Jasmine 2022 Southeast Summer Classic Reserve Champion Female

2022 Eastern Regional Reserve Champion Lim-Flex Female

PRF HB Hayven 2022 Cattlemen’s Congress Division II Reserve Limousin Female

2022 Illinois State Fair Premier Herdsman Award

“They learn so much doing this,” Jon echoes of the boys’ involvement. “The lessons they learn are pretty irreplaceable.”

As a father, Jon said he loves watching this fourth generation of cattlemen find their footing. On outings to shows across the nation, the boys are connecting with friends who share a similar passion.

Ron enjoys the chance to follow the boys to these shows, too. Besides serving as the perfect time to come together as a family, he gets to look at a world different than what he experienced as a child.

“You went to the 4-H fair, and that was about as far as you went,” he recalls of his show days. “You didn’t travel as far back then…back then you never left the state of Illinois — never really left the county. Things have changed so much in showing cattle since then.”

While Ron admits there’s a truth to the saying “winning is better than losing,” there’s a special feeling for a grandpa who watches his grandsons bring home banners and ribbons.

“It’s very, very enjoyable to watch your grandchildren be successful,” he said. “Everybody is proud of their grandchildren; when they’re successful it makes you even more proud.”

The titles and awards speak to Ron’s cattleman’s heart, as well.

“That’s what we’re trying to do. We’re not trying to be out there and just show cattle. We’re out there to compete,” he explains.

The competitive spirit has proven to be hereditary.

Jon adds, “We’d like to get to be one of the names on the list in the Limousin business.”

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Megan Silveira is a freelance writer originally from Denair, California. She is currently based in Saint Joseph, Missouri. She completed her graduate studies in agricultural communications from Oklahoma State University in May 2021.

VALUE OF REGISTRATION

Registrations are the lifeblood of breed success.

Registered animals are worth more.

Registration enables comprehensive breed marketing, progressive research, and member services

Registration verifies seedstock with reliable pedigree, performance, and EPDs.

Across the country and around the globe, buyers are willing to pay more for registered Limousin and Lim-Flex cattle. Reputation is important to people looking for quality seedstock and being dedicated enough to register your cattle solidifies your reputation as a professional breeder. Registration papers and accompanying performance records provide breeders and buyers alike with valuable information on the pedigree, performance, and EPDs of an animal. The quickest route to genetic improvement and increased profit is through the EPDs provided with registration. Documented genetics and performance are fundmental tools for making profitable selection, culling, and mating decision in commercial and seedstock operations. Additional information equals added value.

north american limousin junior assocition

2024-2025 NALJA Board of Directors Elected

On Saturday, June 29, 2024, applicants interviewed for open positions on the North American Limousin Junior Association (NALJA) Board of Directors. They spoke about their desire to be on the board, biggest influences in life and future goals. The new officers and board members for the 2024-2025 year were named during the awards ceremony held July 3, 2024, in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Elected to lead NALJA as the president for 2024-2025 is Eliza Truel, daughter of Hal and Bridget Vogt, Skiatook, Oklahoma. Truel stated, “Being on the board the past two years has brought many more opportunities than I expected. I have gained so much between meeting juniors and advocating for the Limousin breed. I am excited to be president so that I can continue my leadership and encouragement in an even more influential way and bring opportunities like these to future generations.” Eliza is continuing her studies at Oklahoma State University this fall. She is studying animal science biotechnology.

Boone Begert

“I grew up looking up to the NALJA board members and always wanted to be a part of a program that does so much for the juniors. It is important to me that we never forget that everything we are doing is for the kids who are watching and growing by looking to us on how we handle ourselves and execute our events with class. Serving as vice president, I hope to continue to foster the connections made through the national Limousin events as I attend them this next year.” Boone

continued on page 52

Pictured: Back row (left to right): Landry Kleman, Turner Sanders, Kason Kiser, Brandt Gazaway, Memphis Peterson, Wyatt Jacoby. Front row (left to right): Boone Begert, Jacey Smith, Eliza Truel, Mikayla Askey, Shane Kendall.

Begert, Allison, Texas, will be serving as NALJA Vice President. Boone is the son of Bret and Hayley Begert. Mr. Begert is a sophomore at West Texas A&M University this fall and will be obtaining a degree in agriculture.

Mikayla Askey

Serving her third year on the NALJA Board of Directors and elected as secretary is Mikayla Askey, daughter of Robert and Angela Askey from Queen Creek, Arizona. Mikayla stated, “I can say with confidence these last two years have been some of the best years of my life and I would not trade this experience for the world. I am blessed to be serving as a director for my fourth year on the NALJA board and look forward to further developing network opportunities with breeders and industry professionals that benefit the youth. My goal is to continue to promote the Limousin breed throughout Arizona as well as the U.S. While serving on the board as secretary, I have been able to meet some amazing people I now call close friends and family.” Mikayla is continuing school at the University of Arizona this fall as an agriculture technology management and education major.

Shane Kendall

Elected to serve as treasurer and serve his second year on the NALJA Board of Directors is Shane Kendall from Magnolia, North Carolina, son of Dustin and Charmae Kendall. Kendall states, “Being a national director has provided me with many new opportunities. It has allowed me to go to new places and meet new people. I have also enjoyed getting to know Limousin juniors across the nation. I hope to continue to meet new people in the business that I can help down the line and to keep the breed growing.” Shane is attending Northeastern Oklahoma A&M College and participating on the livestock judging team.

Turner Sanders

Serving his first term, Turner Sanders, Huntington, Texas, was selected to serve as the social media chair. Turner is the son of Roger and Jill Sanders. Upon being elected, Sanders said, “I am excited to lead and give back to a breed association that has been very welcoming to me and my family as we joined only a few years ago.” Turner is attending Texas A&M University this fall, studying animal science.

Landry Kleman

Landry Kleman will continue on the board as ex-officio. Landry is from Nazareth, Texas, and is the son of Brad and Ashley Kleman.

“I strive to be a role model for the younger kids in the association. I see the way some of the younger kids look up to board members and hope that I can do the same. I wish to give back to this association any way I can,” stated Kleman. Landry is pursuing a degree in agriculture management and production and livestock management and production, precision agriculture at Southeast Community College. He hopes to manage a feed yard or ranch in the future.

Jacey Smith

From Decatur, Arkansas, Jacey Smith, daughter of Kevin and Jacque Smith, will continue as a director on the NALJA Board of Directors. While attending Northeastern Oklahoma A&M College, Jacey is studying animal science and large animal reproduction. She is also participating on the livestock judging team. Jacey states, “I am excited to continue my journey on the junior board and look forward to getting to know all the wonderful juniors within this breed.”

Memphis Peterson, Brandt Gazaway, Wyatt Jacoby and Kason Kiser

Selected to serve on the NALJA Board of Directors for their first term are Memphis Peterson, Pukwana, South Dakota, son of Cade and Erica Peterson; and Brandt Gazaway, Stillwater, Oklahoma, son of Jeff and Amy Gazaway. Appointed to serve a one-year term as a director are Wyatt Jacoby, son of David and Jennifer Jacoby, Paradise, Texas; and Kason Kiser, son of Terry and Joanne Kiser, Lufkin, Texas.

Retiring NALJA Board Members

Nikki Keeton, Ryleigh Morris, Lily Mitchell and Ross Turner all completed their service on the NALJA board. While serving, they strived to always put the juniors first and looked for ways to improve the association. Thank you for your service, your dedication, and the humor you added to NALJA trips during your time as board members. We wish you all nothing but the best on your future endeavors, you will all be missed!

“I am so excited about serving the Limousin juniors this year alongside this amazing board of directors! We are looking forward to setting and achieving new goals. If you have questions about NALJA, don’t hesitate to reach out to a board member or myself,” stated Mallory Blunier, NALF Director of Media & Activities.

Charles & Nancy Hunt • Dan, Melinda, Jenna, Adeline & Houston Hunt 10329 Hwy. 136 • Oxford, Nebraska 68967

308/991-3373 (Dan) • 308/920-1120 (Charlie) huntlimo@huntlimousin.com WWW.HUNTLIMOUSIN.COM

Johnson of Elsie, NE. HUNT Lex 133L
to Wieczorek Limousin of Mount Vernon, SD.
Charlene Dolzal of Julesburg, CO.

EPDs: Stayability and Why It Matters

As summer comes to an end and temperatures start to cool down, I hope this time of the year finds you well. I imagine many of you are wrapping up weaning and getting into harvest. After preg checking this year, stop and think: where is your operation at currently? Has your crop of replacement heifers met your expectations? She’s deep, she’s sound, she has a nice set of numbers, but did she come up open?

Back in the ’90s, Colorado State University developed the EPD that we now know as stayability. But what exactly is stayability? Stayability, or cow longevity, is defined as the probability of a bull’s daughter to stay in the herd and remain productive until six years of age. In

most cases, cows culled before six years of age are not likely to recoup your initial investment. The majority of these cows being culled are for failure to breed, and with the high input costs we see today, cow fertility needs to be at the forefront. At the end of the day, higher fertility means more pounds to sell next year.

But how useful is the stayability EPD in the actual prediction of cow longevity? After all, the heritability of reproductive traits is low, suggesting that environmental factors play a huge role in the longevity of the cow herd. However, even in an optimally

continued on page 56

Official Publication of the North American Limousin Foundation

2005 Ruhl Drive • Guthrie, OK 73044 405/260-3775 • Fax: 405/260-3766 www.Limousin365.com Publisher: L365

PUBLISHER EMERITUS—Dan Wedman

PUBLISHER EMERITUS—Dale F. Runnion

EDITOR—Kyle Haley

ADVERTISING MANAGER—Lindsey Meyer

CIRCULATION—Jeri Duerr

ART DIRECTOR—Ricki Rookstool

FIELD STAFF: NORTH REGION—Claire Hubbard 765/404-8458 • Claire@Limousin365.com

SOUTH REGION—DeRon Heldermon 405/850-5102 • Deron@Limousin365.com

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INTERNATIONAL ___ $40 (1 year, Canada) ___ $50 (1 year, Surface Mail) ___ $100 (1 year, Air Mail)

All payments to be paid in U.S. Dollars

L365 reserves the right to refuse any advertising or copy at its sole discretion.

L365 assumes no part in guaranteeing the integrity or character of any advertiser. L365 accepts no responsibility for the accuracy of any photographs except those of the staff. L365 cannot be held responsible for the content of submitted advertising. Freelance Manuscripts & Photographs: L365 publishes news and educational material about Limousin cattle, of use to and about their owners. Contributors are invited to submit material of this nature. Preference will be given to material that is accompanied by photographs or appropriate illustrations. Manuscripts accepted for publication are subject to editing and revision to meet requirements for publication. Send manuscripts to: Editor, L365, 2005 Ruhl Drive, Guthrie, OK 73044.

continued from page 54

managed environment, if genetics are lacking for cow longevity, an operation may see females being culled before they can meet their profitability threshold.

Dr. Randie Culbertson, American Simmental Association (ASA) and International Genetic Solutions (IGS) Lead Geneticist, and Dr. Jackie Atkins, Director of Science and Education at ASA, examined this trait. Dr. Culbertson and Dr. Atkins studied over 140,000 daughters in the IGS database from high accuracy stayability bulls. 1 These bulls were ranked into percentile groups: 1-25 considered the top; 26-50; 51-74; and 75-99 considered the bottom. The percentage of daughters from these bulls remaining in the herd until six years old, and average number of calves were analyzed and compared. 1 Their study found that 22% of females from the bottom percentile rank of stayability bulls reached six years old, compared to 49% of daughters from the top percentile ranks. 1 In their March 2020 SimTalk article, Drs. Culbertson and Atkins deduced “There is a clear increase in the average number of calves per cow as we move toward the top percentile. Daughters from sires in the top stayability quartile [25th percentile] averaged nearly two more calves in their lifetime compared to daughters out of sires in the lowest stayability quartile [75th-99th percentile].” 1 The study concluded that “In the context of genetic improvement, ignoring the stayability EPD will slow or reverse the genetic progress for this highly relevant trait.” 1

As Limousin breeders, shouldn’t we always strive for progress? The cattle industry has a whole host of tools available for you to use, and I encourage you to explore these. In order to best measure genetic potential, EPDs need to be combined with phenotype and unbiased data reporting in order to be most effectively utilized. If a cow in your herd has a calf, that calf needs to be reported and reported accurately. Reporting only the best of your calf crop is not doing your herd any favors. Registering a calf out of a cow then waiting four years to register her next calf is not positively contributing to her records, the sire’s records, or the data trends of your herd. Is her stayability EPD being accurately reflected if you only report a few calves in her lifetime? Are any of her EPDs being accurately reported if we pick and choose what data to report? At the minimum, these females need accurate performance data entered for each calf.

If it is in your budget, I highly recommend considering joining the LIMS whole-herd reporting system. Feel free to reach out to Tammy or myself with questions on whole herd reporting.

As one of the most economically relevant traits, I encourage each of you to not pass over the ST EPD in the next catalog you look at. The future is bright for this breed, and I look forward to talking with many of you in the upcoming months

1 Culbertson, Dr. Randie and Dr. Jackie Atkins. “Stayability EPD. Does It Work” SimTalk, March 2020. https://simmental.org/site/index.php/pub/article-topics/industryevents/245-stayability-epd-does-it-work

GENETIC EXCELLENCE

WZRK KALUA 0033K

2/14/22 • Red • Homo Polled • Purebred Wulfs Gallagher 7056G x WZRK 0038H WZRK Kalua was a standout in the 2023 Wieczorek Limousin Annual Bull Sale and has continued to catch the attention of many breeders across the country with his impressive phenotype. This son of Wulfs Gallagher is the HOMO POLLED, PUREBRED you have been looking for to take your breeding program to the next level. He is a calving-ease bull with a negative birth weight and top 2% rank for marbling.

You will want this maternal PUREBRED on your docket for this upcoming breeding season.

Owned by Duplaga Limousin & Wieczorek Limousin Semen available through Grassroots Genetics, 515.965.1458

OLIM LIBBY 413L

3/7/23 • Red • Homo Polled • 77% Limousin Wulfs Holliday 4841H x ALYN Dream On 658D

We believe this red, Limousin female that we selected from the Ochsner program is truly special. This female has a powerful pedigree and beautiful phenotype. OLIM Libby is darn near impossible to put a hole in. We love her athletic build, massive body shape and flawless structure. We believe she’ll be a vital addition to the growth of our program and many others. She continues to attract the attention of many. We think highly of this red female and cannot wait to see her production.

JUNIOR SCENE

Flipping The Script

Iam sure each one of us has faced a situation we were not prepared for - something that makes us want to put our heads down and accept defeat. I know I have, and not just once. Many times, in life, I find myself at a crossroad, where I have two options: a) Look at the situation with a negative perspective or b) look at the situation with a positive perspective.

I would like to say that I always choose the second option - to see the silver lining in every dark cloud - but the truth is, that is not

2024-2025 NALJA BOARD

PRESIDENT, Eliza Truel .................................................... Skiatook, OK entruel@gmail.com

VICE PRESIDENT, Boone Begert Allison, TX boonebegert23@gmail.com

SECRETARY, Mikayla Askey Queen Creek, AZ mimaas2003@gmail.com

TREASURER, Shane Kendall ............................................ Magnolia, NC skendall3795@mail.sampsoncc.edu

SOCIAL MEDIA CHAIR, Turner Sanders ....................... Huntington, TX turnersanders05@gmial.com

EX-OFFICIO, Landry Kleman Nazareth, TX ltkleman@hotmail.com

DIRECTOR, Jacey Smith

Decatur, AR jacey.smith12@gmail.com

DIRECTOR, Memphis Peterson ....................................... Pukwana, SD mcpl72007@gmail.com.com

DIRECTOR, Brandt Gazaway .......................................... Stillwater, OK gazawaybrandt@gmail.com

DIRECTOR, Wyatt Jacoby .................................................. Paradise, TX circlejlimousin@gmail.com

DIRECTOR, Kason Kiser

always the case. It is so much easier to jump right to the negative and think of the worst-case scenario. However, the older I have gotten, I’ve learned that adopting a positive mindset, even in challenging times, makes everything seem just a little bit better. I have started to change my mindset from “this stinks” to “let’s make this the best it can be”.

Dr. Billy VanCamp, pastor of Heart Cry Church, said, “rain only matters to those who have planted seeds. Rain is not a curse; rain is a prerequisite for harvest.” This quote stuck out to me for so many reasons. I know I have been in situations where I have asked myself, “why is this happening to me,” only to realize it will help shape me into the person I am meant to be. Difficult situations are not a curse, so stop looking at it in a negative way. They are a season in our life that prepares us for something greater. By shifting our mindset and viewing challenges as opportunities for growth, we can look forward to the good things that lie ahead.

One perfect example of this mindset shift can be found in the show industry, particularly one that all of us have faced - the pursuit of the Grand Champion title. When you don’t win, it is super easy to feel defeated. However, it is not always about the victory. Nelson Mandela once said, “I never lose. Either I win or I learn.” This quote perfectly illustrates how you can take what feels like a loss and turn it into a positive experience. You could say “I didn’t win this time, but I learned so many new things.” Embrace each challenge as a learning experience rather than a defeat.

Next time life throws you a curveball or you feel the weight of defeat, remember that it’s up to YOU to flip the script. By changing your perspective, you can turn any negative into a positive and pave the way for your future success.

“Whoever watches the wind will not plant; whoever looks at the clouds will not reap.”

Ecclesiastes 11:4

Lufkin, TX kdk1818@yahoo.com

SALES & EVENTS

NOVEMBER

DECEMBER

JANUARY

TWO SALES. ENDLESS OPPORTUNITIES.

Offering you our very best genetics from the heart of the herd. These breed-leading bulls and females speak for themselves in terms of quality and genetic merit. Consider the opportunities and give us a call with questions or for more information on either offering.

LFL Lexi 3088L

83% Limousin HP HB Ratliff Jump Start 340J x LFL Hailee Jo 0093H

Division I Champion Limousin Female at 2024 Cattlemen’s Congress.

LFL Lulu Lemon 3132L

83% Limousin DP HB Ratliff Jump Start 340J x LFL Fiesta 8126 F

CE: 12 BW: -0.8 WW: 50 YW: 74

Flushmate to LFL Lover Boy 3151L, the Grand Champion Limousin Bull at 2024 NJLSC.

LFL Lowrie 3090L

56% LF HP HB LFL Jetson 1300J x LFL Fran 8027F

CE: 9 BW: 1.1 WW: 79 YW: 129 MK: 25 SC: 0.30 DC: 15 RE: 0.34 MB: 0.90 $MI: 87 Lead bull of Division IV Grand Champion Pen of Three, 2024 Cattlemen’s Congress.

LFL Lovell 3110

L

57% LF HP HB LFL Jackpot 1032J x LFL Juanita 1048J

CE: 10 BW: 0.5 WW: 74 YW: 122 MK: 26 SC: 0.53 DC: 14 RE: 0.28 MB: 0.66 $MI: 76 Reserve Grand Champion NEOGEN Bull at 2024 NJLSC.

LFL Lucas

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